The Symposium Exploring Autoimmune Diseases, presented by Race for RP and Northern Michigan University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Program, as well as the Relapsing Polychondritis Foundation and the AHN Autoimmunity Institute, was an overwhelming success. The half-day event at Reynolds Recital Hall was held on Friday, September 20 and was filled to capacity with standing room only for upwards of 300 people in attendance.
TV6 and Fox UP also co-sponsored the event and sat down with Dr. Manzi that Friday morning for a news segment promoting the Symposium. Link to video
Kohr Motorsports graciously provided a branded race car supporting autoimmune disease awareness, a show-stopper which received a great deal of attention on the NMU campus and in the homecoming parade which followed.
During the
symposium attendees listened intently to keynote speakers and leading experts
in the field, Dr. Joseph Ahearn followed by Dr. Susan Manzi, as they explained
the causes and factors involved in triggering an overactive response of the
immune system, current treatments available for autoimmune disorders, and the
importance of offering interdisciplinary care for patients suffering from these
chronic diseases. Their work at the
Allegheny Health Network Autoimmunity Institute in advancing the
diagnosis, treatment and prevention of autoimmune diseases has been
transformative. And the Institute’s focus on improved outcomes, quality
of life, and decreased cost of care, through collaborative multispecialty care,
cutting-edge research, advocacy and education is unprecedented and will have a
lasting impact on patients struggling with autoimmune conditions.
Dr. Emily
Somers gave an incredibly detailed and thorough presentation on relapsing
polychondritis (RP), exploring the pathophysiology of the immune system
response in RP, the identification of etiologies, signs and symptoms of RP as
well as a review of current and possible treatments of the disease. As an autoimmune disease specialist and
epidemiologist who has designed and conducted ground-breaking clinical trials
for Lupus, her insights were exceedingly impressive and thought provoking. We were especially encouraged to hear how research
in relapsing polychondritis might result in important discoveries for other
autoimmune diseases.
The final
session of the symposium was a panel discussion with the keynote speakers as
well as panel guest, Mike Duckwall, RN, FNP-BC. Addressing audience member submissions
directly, the holistic question and answer session identified appropriate
nursing and medical care for patients with immune disorders focusing on the concerns
from patients, nurses and physicians in attendance on the realities of living
with autoimmune disorders and the challenges they have faced in diagnosing,
understanding and treating these diseases.
Thank you to the distinguished keynote speakers, event organizers, volunteers, advocates and partners for helping advance a broader conversation to transform the diagnosis and care of patients with autoimmune diseases. A special acknowledgement to the Northern Michigan University School of Nursing and Kristi Robinia, PhD, RN, Associate Dean and Director, for partnering with Race for Relapsing Polychondritis and the Relapsing Polychondritis Foundation and for facilitating this inaugural Autoimmunity Symposium.
